Could pregnancy and termination affect CD4 count?

Jul 22, 2012

I have just been diagnosed HIV+ and my CD4 count is 208, but on the same day I had a medical abortion at 6 wks. Could pregnancy have caused my CD4 count to be low and is it likely that it will increase again now the abortion is complete?

Response from Dr. Holodniy

Pregnancy can be associated with a decline in CD4 count, which usually recovers after pregnancy. However, your CD4 count is quite low and unlikely to be the result of just being pregnant. You count may recover somewhat, but I think you are looking at starting HIV treatment soon.

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